Geographical Center of the Asian Continent

Geographical Center of the Asian Continent

The Geographical Center of the Asian Continent is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

Geographical Center of the Asian Continent

The determination of the Geographical Center of the Asian Continent (abbreviated as the "Asian Center") was made in 1992. It was jointly carried out by the Xinjiang Institute of Geography at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Eurasian Academy of Sciences, cartographers, remote sensing experts, and geographic information scientists. Utilizing modern scientific techniques and equipment, the location was measured based on an Asian map using the Perner projection technique.

The Geographical Center of the Asian Continent is located in Baojiacaozi Village, Yongfeng Township, Urumqi County, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China.

The site is situated at longitude 87°19’52” east and latitude

43°40’37” north. After more than two years of calculation and on-site investigation by the Xinjiang Institute of Geography at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, it was officially designated. It lies 30 kilometers from Urumqi City and is currently a developing tourist area. The centerpiece and

pivot of the attraction is the Monument Tower of the Geographical Center of Asia, which stands 18 meters tall and consists of four square pillars. Each side of the structure forms an “A” shape, mimicking the initial letter “A” of the English word “Asia,” symbolizing the Heart of Asia. A grade-level highway leading to the scenic area has been completed, along with a grand 20-meter-high eagle-spread net-frame entrance gate, the “Round Sky and Square Earth” Asian Center Plaza, and a collection of stone totems and wooden and fiberglass sculptures that embody the cultural essence of 49 Asian countries—truly a microcosm of global diversity. Due to its position as the farthest point from the ocean and the strongest continental climate, the Asian Center holds profound scientific significance and an air of mystery. With its rich historical and cultural heritage, it is a key tourism development zone in Urumqi.

The Asian Center is located in Baojiacaozi Village, Yongfeng Township. At the time of its initial determination, the center was marked only by a simple wooden post. It has now developed into a full-scale scenic destination, attracting a constant stream of visitors. From the Asian Center, standing at an altitude of 1,280 meters, one can gaze in all directions: to the east lies the Bogda Peak glacier, to the south the ranges of the Tianshan Mountains, to the west the rushing waters of the Toutun River, and to the north the Junggar Basin—an atmosphere of mystique naturally emerges. Surrounding the plaza are maps and flags of 49 countries, closely encircling the site. Along the Asian Center Avenue are famous sculptures from various Asian nations: Iran’s “Lion Hunt,” Tajikistan’s “Sacred Eagle,” Kuwait’s “Boat,” Pakistan’s “Long Live Peace,” Iraq’s “Hammurabi Code Pillar,” Laos’ “Blessing,” each symbolizing the spirit of Asian peoples, showcasing the cultural aspirations of their nations, and reflecting the coexistence of diverse civilizations.

The determination of the “Asian Center” established Urumqi as the city at the geographical heart of the Asian continent—the Capital of the Asian Center—further defining the broader Asian Center region centered around Urumqi. This area features the world’s most inland and strongly continental climate location, unique to China. Urumqi is no longer a peripheral city, nor is Xinjiang a marginal region—it is the center of the Asian continent.

The determination of the "Heart of Asia" has established Urumqi as the city at the geographical center of the Asian continent—the Capital of the Heart of Asia—further clarifying the Heart of Asia region centered around Urumqi. This area boasts the world’s most inland, strongest continental climate, a unique geographical environment found only in China. Urumqi is no longer a peripheral city, and Xinjiang is no longer a remote region, but rather the very center of the Asian continent.